TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A new bill filed this month seeks to amend the state’s “patriotic programs” statutes by requiring two presidents to be placed in children’s classrooms.
The legislation — Senate Bill 420 — was filed on Nov. 6 by state Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills), though it made its way into an Education committee on Monday.
SB 420 specifically refers to the existing state law s. 1003.44, which mandates that local school boards display the state motto, “In God We Trust,” in “conspicuous” places in each school building.
Under this bill, though, the law would also require schools to similarly display portraits of two former U.S. presidents: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
[BELOW: Teachers may soon have to take this oath if Florida passes new bill]
More specifically, these portraits would have to be put up in any classroom that is primarily used to teach social studies, as well as every K-5 classroom.
The state would be responsible for picking out the portraits and making them available to each school district, too.
It’s not the only bill that would impact Florida classrooms, though. Another proposal (HB 147) was filed just last month that mandates that state teachers take an oath of loyalty.
Under HB 147, classroom teachers would have to abide by a constitutional oath before being allowed to teach in the state. That oath reads as follows:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and the Constitution and Government of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified for employment as a classroom teacher in this state; that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of a classroom teacher in a professional, independent, objective, and nonpartisan manner; that I will uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and professional ethics; that I will foster a respectful learning environment for all students, which promotes critical thinking, civic responsibility, and lifelong learning; and that I will serve as a positive role model in both conduct and character, so help me God.”
That being said, Florida already has a required oath for all state employees, including those who work for counties, cities, school boards and districts.
However, this oath simply requires a commitment to support the U.S. and state constitutions.
By comparison, this bill would require teachers to also act in a “nonpartisan manner.”
If either of these bills is approved by the Legislature next year, they will take effect on July 1, 2026.
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